The Women’s National Basketball Association slated to start playing in Toronto in 2026 is looking for an assist from potential fans when it comes to elements of its branding.
The team put out the call on Thursday, August 8, for “names, ideas, colours and creative inspiration from all Canadians to help shape the new name, logo and mascot of Canada’s first WNBA team.” Fans can submit their ideas at NameYourTeam.ca.
The consultation period runs until 11:59 p.m. ET on Wednesday, August 28. The team is encouraging people to share “ideas, names, stories, photos, videos, voice memos, colour preferences and more” to help them develop their name and identity. There is no limit to how many ideas individuals can submit during that time.
Unfortunately, if your idea is used, there’s no prize or other reward. As the official rules state:
You acknowledge that will receive no additional consideration, compensation or residuals (aside from the opportunity to submit an Entry) or credits or other acknowledgments in connection with any use, airings, broadcast, publication, reproduction, transmission or other exploitation of the Entry or any excerpts thereof or anything else embodying the Entry
Entries will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- No conflict with existing WNBA teams, or other major sport franchises;
- Relevance to the Toronto community and culture;
- Marketability and broad appeal;
- Feasibility of implementation;
- Availability of Trademarks; and
- Any other criteria in the Program Sponsor’s (Toronto WB) sole discretion.
The Toronto WNBA franchise was officially announced on May 23. It’s owned by Kilmer Sports Inc., which is chaired by Toronto billionaire Larry Tannenbaum, and will become the WNBA’s 14th franchise. Home games will be played at the Coca-Cola Coliseum in downtown Toronto, though some games will be held at Scotiabank Arena and in cities across Canada.
The WNBA’s other new expansion franchise, the Golden State Valkyries, unveiled their name and logo in May 2024 ahead of their on-court debut in 2025.
